27 March 2011, Beirut:
A bomb targeted a Syriac Orthodox church in the
eastern city of Zahle's industrial district at
dawn Sunday, causing heavy material damage.

The bomb, which consisted of about two kilograms
(4.4 pounds) of TNT, was placed at the side
entrance of St Mary's Syriac Orthodox church,
told AFP. The device went off at 4:15 am (0115
GMT).

The National News Agency said the 2-kilogram TNT
explosives were controlled by a mobile phone.

Media reports said the blast blew up St Mary's
Church's door and damaged benches. Shrapnel
reached the altar, they added. Seven cars parked
nearby were also damaged. No one claimed
responsibility.

The incident took place in the same area where
seven Estonian tourists were kidnapped on
Wednesday.

MP Elie Marouni told Voice of Lebanon radio
station that the two incidents are interlinked
and are aimed at creating instability in the
Central Bekaa.

I denounce
this type of attack and urge people to remain
calm - Mor Yostinos Paulos Safar

"I
denounce this type of attack and urge people to
remain calm," said Archbishop Mor Yostinos
Paulos Safar Safar, who hails from neighboring
Syria and is bishop of Zahle, a mainly Christian
town about 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the
capital Beirut.

Archbishop, Mor Yostinos, who inspected the
damage accused "faithless people" of being
behind the blast. "The explosion targets Lebanon
and its security stability." He said he planned
to hold Sunday mass at the church despite the
attack.

The church is located in the industrial part of
Zahle, where seven Estonians were kidnapped
earlier this week by armed men. Officials have
launched a large manhunt but have so far been
unable to locate the missing men.

PM Hariri expressed his solidarity with
Archbishop Safar, as well as with the Syrian
Orthodox community and the people of Zahle, and
announced that the necessary steps have been
taken to find the attackers and defer them in
front of the relevant judicial authority.